DLR adds new Nighttime Spectaculars beginning May 22, 2015

Yes Natalie. I heard a lot of people there just for the parade. Waited the longest I ever have to get in the garage, so late in the afternoon. Though, I was going to sit 4 hours to watch a parade, even a new one.

We were there yesterday and watched Paint the Night and the fireworks from the it's a small world area. We arrived a little more than two hours before the parade and were lucky to find a spot to sit down. By the time the parade started it was packed like sardines. As soon as it was over everyone spilled out in to the parade route to get a spot for the fireworks, which started about half an hour later. We just held our spot and only could see a sliver of the face of small world so couldn't enjoy the projections to their fullest. But we could see the back of the castle so caught some of that action, Tinker Bell for example, and we could see the fireworks themselves perfectly. No more spoilers.

It took about 25 minutes to get out of the park after that. It can be frustrating when cast members are directing you to go one way when you want to go the other but, especially around 10pm, you must remember that the fireworks have just ended so the areas around the castle are closed zones while they check for any possible fire danger, Fantasmic! will be starting up in 45 minutes, and another parade will begin at 11pm. It is a mad house. People are trying to leave, get to the Rivers of America, filling space by sitting on sidewalks and walkways. Just be patient and move with the crowd. Don't plow me over with your stroller. And if they could turn down the blaring post fireworks music just a notch it would be a lot easier to hear cast member instructions.

We went expecting crowds. We knew it was the last day that Southern California Select passholders would be able to get in to the parks until late August. So that part did not bother us. We loved Paint the Night. I will not quite give it the honor of my favorite parade (which in my book is the Electrical Parade) but like Chris said, it has been a long time since we've had a nighttime parade and this makes it a huge draw. So glad it was NOT a disappointment. I loved the incorporation of Electrical Parade music. I'll definitely be going back to see it again, crowds or not. The fireworks will also bring me back, again agreeing with Chris that I want to see this show from multiple spots. With a pass I have the wonderful option to go to the park for the sole purpose of watching a parade or a fireworks display and then leaving. Now that I've had a taste, I plan on doing this as much as possible over this 60th celebration.

In the daylight I commented that I liked the 50th castle decorations better than the 60th. But the castle at night is gorgeous, reminding me of the holiday castle.

Thanks for the updates Chris and Linda.

Personally hoping the crowds slow down a bit for my Mid-September trip. :mickey:

I spoke with Passholder Services today and they informed me that there STILL has not been an end date determined for the 60th celebration. As of now the only thing they can guarantee is that the special decorations, merchandise, Forever fireworks, Paint the Night parade, World of Color show, etc. will be here until the end of August.

If they truly decide that a less than four month celebration is enough I think they will encounter a lot of disappointed guests. I'm sure there are a lot of people hoping to visit after the summer months to experience this with perhaps a smaller crowd. I know holidays (Halloween/Christmas) may pose a bit of a problem but I would think there could be compromises that would bring the best of both the current season and the 60th. Crossing my fingers for a happy outcome. :fingers:

I hate to hear this because I probably won't get there before Oct/Nov. I didn't realize this could be cut short after only a few months. :(

tinkwest wrote: I spoke with Passholder Services today and they informed me that there STILL has not been an end date determined for the 60th celebration. As of now the only thing they can guarantee is that the special decorations, merchandise, Forever fireworks, Paint the Night parade, World of Color show, etc. will be here until the end of August.

If they truly decide that a less than four month celebration is enough I think they will encounter a lot of disappointed guests. I'm sure there are a lot of people hoping to visit after the summer months to experience this with perhaps a smaller crowd. I know holidays (Halloween/Christmas) may pose a bit of a problem but I would think there could be compromises that would bring the best of both the current season and the 60th. Crossing my fingers for a happy outcome. :fingers:

Hmmmm... That would be confusing/disapointing especially since I booked the Diamond Celebration Package which was valid for arrivals through 12/31/15. :confused:

I feel like saying it seems irresponsible that the end date is still up in the air, although that may not really be the right word. But, come on, this event has probably been in the works since the 50th/Golden Anniversary ended and they still can't decide what to do when the holiday seasons approach? I would think that would be a decision better made before the start of the 60th/Diamond Celebration, not during it. I hope the special shows continue in to next year. They are worth seeing and not everyone is able to visit during the summer months.

Halloween Time and Mickey's Halloween Party dates have been announced, and we now know that the Diamond celebration features such as Paint the Night Parade, World of Color - Celebrate!, and Disneyland Forever fireworks will continue to be a presence throughout this season (09/11/15-11/01/15).

tinkwest;2463880 wrote: Halloween Time and Mickey's Halloween Party dates have been announced, and we now know that the Diamond celebration features such as Paint the Night Parade, World of Color - Celebrate!, and Disneyland Forever fireworks will continue to be a presence throughout this season (09/11/15-11/01/15).

Great news!

from the Disney Parks blog:

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel Presents Tahitian Terrace Diamond Luau

A 60th anniversary celebration like no other is on tap at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar for August 10 and 11 on the Magic Kingdom Lawn at the Disneyland Hotel.

The sessions will include the Tahitian Terrace Tribute Show with Tahitian dancers; a historical overview by Imagineers; and tastes from the original menu of the “gone-but-not-forgotten” Tahitian Terrace tropical restaurant. Guests also receive two drink tickets good for non-alcoholic Tahitian Punch, Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration drink (with alcohol), wine or beer.

Everyone also gets goodies: a commemorative Tahitian Terrace Diamond luau lei, a special edition diamond Tiki glass and swizzle stick, a Tahitian Terrace print on parchment and a Tahitian Punch recipe card. Guests can also purchase up to two Diamond Tiki glasses.

Pre-paid admission is $150 (with tax and gratuity) for either 5-6:30 p.m. or 7-8:30 p.m. on August 10 or 11. A limited number of tickets will be sold for each session. Reservations are now open. For tickets, visit Disneyland.com or call 714-781-DINE.

Sounds a little high priced, but seeing what the "regular" collector mugs go for, it's probably not too bad. I hope something like this is going on when I visit in December!

$150??? Uh, I'll pass. That is about 3x what I would be willing to pay.

I'm wondering if they are trying to capture some of the guests arriving early for the D23 Expo which begins later this same week, thinking some will have money to burn.

It's too bad it is only offered during the week.

Maybe Linda. After all, they are trying to recreate the Tahitian Terrace vibe which is something only diehard fans would even know about.